Leinster and Ireland have received a boost with the news that Richardt Strauss' knee injury is not as bad as first feared.

Strauss, who made his debut for Ireland during the recent autumn internationals, twisted his knee during Leinster's 28-21 defeat to Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The Leinster hooker came off after just 11 minutes of the match and it was feared he had suffered serious cruciate ligament damage, which would have put the rest of his season in doubt.

However the Irish Province have confirmed that, although there is ligament damage, he will only be out for four weeks.

Therefore he should be fit to return for the latter stages of the Heineken Cup, should Leinster progress to the last eight, and for Ireland's Six Nations campaign, which starts against Wales on February 2.

However he will miss Leinster's crucial two remaining Heineken Cup pool fixtures against the Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs.